The 2026 Schools White Paper contains much that parents of children with SEND have been campaigning for, but amongst the proposals are changes that many families are questioning. Here’s what parents may want to know – and watch closely - as the consultation unfolds.
One of the biggest concerns for parents regarding the new proposals is the planned changes to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Under the reforms, EHCPs would be reserved for children with the most complex needs, and those who already have one would be reassessed from September 2029, at the end of their current phase of education. For many families, this is deeply concerning. Transitions, such as the move from Year 6 to secondary school, are already major milestones. For parents, the thought of losing vital support at such a crucial time could add an extra layer of stress during a period that is meant to be about growth and opportunity. There is also little clarity around the thresholds for both SSPs and EHCPs. The White Paper does not clearly define what is meant by ‘complex needs’, leaving parents uncertain about who will qualify under the new system. At present, EHCPs are legally enforceable, which gives families a degree of security. Many will no doubt be concerned that stricter thresholds could mean fewer children qualify, potentially losing access to provision that is currently a legal right. Inevitably, there will also be anxiety that support could shift away from being based on individual needs towards more standardised packages. For parents who have spent years fighting to secure an EHCP, this uncertainty will be understandably unsettling.
As explored in our earlier blog in this White Paper series [If the 2026 White Paper Proposals Pass, What Will Our Education System Look Like?], the reforms propose the creation of inclusion bases within every secondary school, and comparable provision across primary schools. While this may sound like a positive step towards greater inclusion, it raises an important question: will the necessary funding, staffing and specialist expertise be in place to make it work? Without adequate resources, there is a real risk that children will be placed in mainstream settings that are simply not equipped to meet their needs. At the same time, proposals suggest parents may have less say over which school their child attends, with greater control given to local authorities which could mean that families find it much harder to secure a setting that actually works for their child. These concerns are closely connected because if schools are not properly resourced, having less say over placement becomes an even greater issue for families.
One of the most significant aspects of the 2026 White Paper is the funding proposed for SEND provision. The government has pledged £3.7 billion for SEND, which sounds substantial. However, many local authority high needs budgets are already under severe strain, with some running deficits of tens of millions of pounds. While the White Paper offers short-term relief through a 90% grant for 2025-26, the longer-term picture remains far less clear. This gap between ambition and sustained funding is not new. Without consistent investment over time, even well-intentioned changes can struggle to translate into meaningful support on the ground. From experience working as a SENCo and senior leader in a school serving a community with high levels of deprivation, I have seen how much schools and families rely on strong advocacy to navigate the system and secure the right support. Where resources are stretched, that process can become even more challenging due to the pressures the system is under. In this context, there is a real concern that gaps in provision could widen. Where support depends on how effectively needs can be articulated and pursued, there is a risk of slipping back into a system that feels uneven or inconsistent from one area to another.
While the proposed SEND reforms have raised a number of concerns for parents, it is important to remember that nothing has changed yet. All existing SEND law remains fully in place and your child’s legal protections continue to apply. If your child has an EHCP, it remains legally enforceable, with no changes to provision expected before at least September 2030. It’s completely understandable to feel anxious about what these proposals might mean, but at this stage, they are just that - proposals. Your child’s legal rights remain intact. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
1. Staying informed and engaged during the consultation is the best way to ensure your child’s rights continue to be upheld.
2. Respond to the public consultation before 11:59pm on 18th May 2026 by submitting feedback online via the Department for Education website form or via email: SENDreform.CONSULTATION@education.gov.uk
3. Engage with your SENCo and ask how your child’s school is preparing.
4. Connect with parent/carer forums and organisations like IPSEA and Contact who are actively monitoring the proposals.
5. If your child needs an EHCP, apply now under the current system. The SEN Expert can assist with this process. For more information and resources visit: https://thesenexpert.co.uk or book an advice call and we would be more than happy to help.
The 2026 Schools White Paper marks a potentially significant shift in the SEND system. While there are elements that reflect what families have long been calling for, there are also proposals that could fundamentally change how support is accessed, delivered, and enforced. These proposals are not yet law, and the consultation period is a crucial opportunity to ensure that the voices of families are heard because at the heart of all this are children who deserve the right support and parents who should never have to fight quite so hard to get it.
The SEN Expert offers a range of services for young people, families and schools. We offer support for parents to help navigate the complex world of Special Educational Needs. We will work with you closely to ensure the best for your child.
The SEN Expert was set up by Claire in 2021 following a successful career spanning 12 years in school improvement, special educational needs, safeguarding and the arts.
Claire has worked as a Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, Consultant and SENCO in both state and private schools in inner city London, the Southwest, the Midlands and the USA.
Throughout her career, Claire has ensured solid outcomes for the young people she has worked with. Be that a set of good exam grades, a placement in specialist setting or getting a part time job.
Claire is a working mother, and understands the challenges parents face trying to ensure their children are happy and successful. We aim to provide young people with a creative route to the personal and professional adult life they deserve.
We offer support for families, children, and schools to navigate the complex world of SEN.
Check out our full list of services at our website www.thesenexpert.co.uk or follow us on Instagram @senexpert for daily advice on special educational needs.